Jonny the Recovering Technophiliac

“Take a deep breath, you only got one shot, make it count.” –QoS

Another year has passed…or is about to be in a few hours.  Although 2008 started rather dull and rudimentary, life went on.  Wars where fought, the economy was failing, stability was showing it’s weak side…but for all of us, life went on and we managed.  However, for me the end of the year brought many things to me.

Where it all happened

My college years where nice despite that i spent a majority of my times either in one place studying, eating whatever fatty meal or caffeine-filled energy drink i could to keep me awake.  I’ve met my share of good people and bad.  Despite that college itself was the biggest learning experience of my life…for me it will always be high school that will hold a special place inside me.  Once the summer came i was able to reunite with more high school friends i thought i would never see again.  It just opened my eyes to the notion that to go forward, it’s worth looking back…to see what has changed, to rekindle past bonds.

Adding to the perpetual checklist
There are many goals i have that i know i would like to get accomplished this year, at least by the summer.  Amongst a few “personal” goals, here are the major ones i hope to accomplish:

- i would like to get my driver’s license even though i know i wont be driving any time soon until i own a car.  I don’t mind catching the bus or subway or taxi, and i’ve driven a little during my 1st year of university.  Nevertheless it never hurts to have a license handy just incase.

- i would like to move out and get my own apartment by the summer.  I’ve seen how the experience has changed people…and not just in the sense of being more responsible at the cost of sacrificing a few fringe benefits.  But also in the sense of pure freedom.  It’ll be a learning experience indeed.

- Since the summer, i’ve been very slowly regaining my physical strength back to my “fit” era during high school.  Not only has my weight dropped to a trim 125 lbs, but my chest is tighter, and my muscles are more looser.  College really made me physically-weak, but it was also my fault for not taking the proper initiative for a healthier lifestyle  This year i hope to keep working out diligently so i can look good and feel great.  It’s a goal i know i can accomplish if I put my mind to it.  Besides, it wouldn’t be right if I where to hang out with friends in the city or that girl with the perfect body and “trademark” smile while i look like a disaster area…a balance must be achieved, so time to step up Jonny.

So that’s about it.  Uniquely good moments, people, and opportunities only happen once, so lets make this count.  Happy new year!

My dog Squishy, 14 years old and counting ^^

This weekend was something for the record books…it was the kind where everything happened in the blink of an eye.  Firstly, my brother Kev gets knocked down by some rogue traveler at JFK…usually the result of the guy neglecting to say something as simple as “excuse me”.  Kev busts his elbow as it turns black/blue…but he was tenacious as he got up and brushed it off as “nothing”…i knew it was NOT a “nothing” when 2 hours later on the bus, his elbow looked like it had a date with a boxer.  He had to go to ER, i had to stay home.  To ebb the pressure, i decided to call Syl to see how she was doing.  Her dog was not in the best shape too so i figured it’s only right that i check up.  After a brief convo and her reiteration to kick the ass of the guy who knocked down Kevin, we parted.

The night was not smooth…it was Murphy’s Law about to make it’s grand entrance.  I sat next to Kev bedside as he was unable to sleep…struggling to sleep with a pain that im sure he wouldn’t wish upon his enemies.  I wish i couldve chased down the guy who knocked him down…i couldve caught up…but i had to help Kevin.  Still…i had a burden of guilt when i should’ve never listened to him when he said “i’m ok Jon, it’s nothing”.  It’s a big reason why i’ve been working out more often…not just for the persuit of strength and looks, but to defend and help a life.  i passed out a little before 5am then woke up at 6-ish to discover a voicemail from Sylvana…she was back from the animal hospital and i thought of the worst.  Thinking about a promise i kept to someone 3 years ago, i told myself:

…ok jonny, you’ve been through this before sorta, time to be the healer…

Eventually as the weekend winded down, Kevin is making a slow recovery…still in a tremendous amount of pain but determined to return to work.  As for Sylvana, with some sage words from myself and support from her family/friends, she now has a new puppy and is on the road to self-recovery as well.

As for me…i am tired…i haven’t slept well…this past week/weekend was rough on me.  I wanted some wine, I wanted an outlet to let out my stress, but i am happy that two important people in my life where on the mend.  Was it worth the stress? I like to think so…it’s the way a knight rolls…putting the important people before oneself without expecting anything in return except for the satisfaction of seeing the people you help feeling happy.

Because when you don’t anticipate something in return out of good will, some day you will end up with everything you wanted…which is a good feeling.  After all, knights have needs too.  All i can do is wait patiently

so for a while ive been staying up late at night whether its watching tv, gaming, or watching a movie…not that i mind burning the midnight oil once in a while, but when done often, your mind tends to confuse any time late night as “yesterday”.  like it could be 3am tuesday and i’ll still tell my friends

“oh see ya tmw morning then?”

…they’d reply with

“you mean wednesday or the same tuesday just in sunrise-mode?”

see how the mind can get confused?  I love bieng a night-owl, its amazing, but its something my head’s not quite used to yet.  Well, till tomorrow! (its still 30 min till midnight for me anyway)…but your mileage may vary

these past few days ive been sleeping less…not that it doesnt bother me or anything.  i like bieng a night owl…sometimes you see different things, the life that not a lot of people get to see since they’re probably in bed.  sure it does have the potential to throw off your sleep pattern, but i think its worth it sometimes

…although sometimes, i’d like to just sleep and not have to worry about what to do in 2am lol